Iron of the Innocent: The Dark Judge (Vol 1)

Chapter 5: Peace

274 I.C.
Balindos
Caegoroth Kingdom
Cor Wresgoth Estate

The light of the setting sun sent tremendous colors shining across the sky. The view was breathtaking. Trees, ancient and green rustled with the movement of the breeze. The mid-summer air was cooling, yet warm and alluring, full of the scent of many multicolored blooms that matched the sky. The view was alive with life and unending creative expression.

The gardens of Cor Wresgoth were attended to with deep care to ensure their beauty throughout the summer. The estate of Cor Wresgoth stood numerous miles to the south of Caegoroth, the capital city of the land, across a deep waterway on a very large island. The nearest neighbors to this estate were many miles to the north and east except the town of Gilstoth, which was located numerous hours away to the northeast. The owner liked the deep solitude.

Shydler Cor Mezar-Wresgoth stood before a huge chest opened at his feet. His long, sandy blond hair was unbound and free. His beard was unkempt, but his moustache was kept in order. He was barefoot and only wearing a brown pair of breeches tied with a cord at the waist. His tanned, bare chest and arms were those of a life devoted to study, but his work in the garden and orchard over the past four months was beginning to show in his gaunt muscles. He even developed light calluses on his hands, and they were dirty from his afternoon garden work.

His eyes lifted from the chest at his feet and looked out to the west. The sunlight gleamed off of the vast ocean, and the color of the sky was mirrored on its calm, rolling waves. The estate proper was nestled on a hill that gently sloped toward a rocky cliff that dropped away to the white beaches and blue water. A large natural spring wound its way around the estate and ended in a small waterfall over the cliffs. Trellis walls full of green ivies surrounded the magnificent garden. Small bird baths and artful statues dotted the soft, green grass while great trees shaded a few choice places to sit.

"It is a good sum," a woman wearing a white tunic and black breeches said. She stood on the opposite side of the chest. Her hair was tied back. Her boots were dusty with travel, and her smiling eyes twinkled with delight.

Shydler took a sip of clear water from a crystal goblet and returned it to the table next to his hammock. "I would say so, Leena."

"The merchant who purchased Vangau in Dawnshire paid a handsome price for the estate," Leena continued. "We secured his payment with ease."

"Good. I hate it when people try to cheat me, and it is always nice to make a profit," Shydler said. "What are these other items you brought me?"

Drall, head swordsman of the Wresgoth Guard, stepped over from admiring the view. "Sir, these are some items the buyer wished to add into the price we asked. We reduced the amount per item value for him. These fine goblets were crafted by some of the best artisans in the region and the book is a tale of lore. We knew how you love your books." Drall's armor was dusty as well, and his tabard needed a good cleaning.

Shydler nodded and smiled. "Thank you both for your fine work. Now, I bid you good afternoon. I am sure you want to retire and clean up after your travels."

Drall nodded, turned, and headed away. Leena was not so easily dismissed. After Drall moved out of hearing distance Leena drew closer to him. "I missed you."

Shydler looked up from the chest, nodded, and drew her into his arms. "And I you." After a few moments Shydler continued. "Would you have dinner with me this evening?"

Leena smiled. "Of course. I will meet you then," she slid from his arms and winked as she turned and headed toward the main house. Shydler watched her for a few moments as she stopped, drew in the fragrance of a large purple blossom, and picked it from its place. She held it to her nose momentarily as she lightly hummed a familiar tune and moved on dreamily.